Report a Discarded Needle

If you find a discarded needle or syringe, DO NOT PICK IT UP. Instead, contact the Syringe Collection Program during program hours. 

Syringe Collection Program Hours:

• Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Tuesday: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
• Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Friday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

There are two ways to report a discarded syringe found in the community during Syringe Collection Program hours.

1. Call the Syringe Collection Program directly at 978-674-1049

• Leave the address and specific location of where the needle(s) was found, the number of needles found, and any additional information that is relevant to locating the needle(s).
• While it may be helpful to leave a return phone number in case more information is needed to locate the discarded syringe(s), the service is confidential and anonymous.

 2. Submit a “Hypodermic Needle/Syringe” report through the City of Lowell's 311 Enterprise Service Request System

You can submit 311 requests online, through the 311 mobile application via IOS/Android, or by phone. 

• If you need assistance creating an account or submitting requests, please visit 311 Enterprise Service Requests page for guidance.
• *PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT USE THE ONLINE FORMS DURING NON-BUSINESS HOURS OR HOLIDAYS! Please call the Police Department directly via 978-937-3200 for assistance.

FOR ONLINE REQUESTS:

• Visit www.lowellma.gov/311 to get started. 
• Before submitting a request, you will need to create an account.
• Once an account has been created, log-in to the City of Lowell Service Request Access site. 
• Once logged in, click on the "Create a New Request" tile.
• For the "Request Category" select "Nuisance/Complaint/Violation".
• For the "Request Type" select "Hypodermic Needle/Syringe".  
• Enter the address for the request.
• Enter your contact information for the request. 
• Fill out the form with as much information as possible. There is an additional option to include any photos/videos.
• Click “Submit” to complete the request.

FOR 311 MOBILE APPLICATION REQUESTS:

• Requests can be submitted 24/7 with the 311 app.
• Download the application from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
• Once the app has been installed, you will need to create an account to submit requests.
• Once an account has been created, log-in to the app.
• Once logged in, click on "Report an Issue".
• Select "Hypodermic Needle/Syringe".
• Enter your contact information for the request.
• Enter the address for the request.
• Fill out the form with as much information as possible. There is an additional option to include any photos/videos.
• Click “Submit” to complete the request.

FOR PHONE REQUESTS:

• To submit a request during business hours, dial 978-674-4311.
• You may need to provide the following information to help us complete your request;
  • Your name
  • Phone number to reach you if there are any questions
  • Email address to receive notifications about your request
  • Details of the issue or service being requested
  • Location of the issue/request

For discarded needle pick-up requests outside of program hours, residents may continue to call the Lowell Police Department non-emergency line at 978-937-3200. The Lowell Police Department will report the request to Trinity Emergency Medical Services (EMS); residents should not call Trinity EMS directly to report a discarded needle.